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"COVID-19 Lockdown Exit Analysis" 9th Nov 2021

Lockdown Exit
Denmark Will Bring Back Some Restrictions as Covid-19 Cases Soar
Denmark, which has one of Europe’s highest vaccination rates, plans to re-introduce some restrictions to halt a recent spike in Covid-19 contamination cases. Danes will have to again present so-called corona passports to attend public events, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at a press conference late on Monday. The move follows a recommendation from health authorities that the country reclassifies the virus as a disease that poses a critical threat to society.
Chinese city orders COVID tests for visitors to sprawling commercial centre
China's southwestern city of Chengdu on Monday required visitors at a mega entertainment centre to undergo COVID tests, in the country's second mass screening for the coronavirus at a large venue in days. Those who were tested for COVID-19 were required to return home to await their results and not venture outdoors until advised, local authorities in Chengdu said in a notice. It was unclear how many visitors were at the New Century Global Center, which houses numerous shops, offices, a massive water park, and a university.
Eager travellers line up for U.S. flights as COVID travel curbs are lifted
Paul Campbell had waited nearly two years to reunite with his German fiancée at Boston's Logan airport on Monday, the day the United States eased travel restrictions imposed on much of the world since the COVID-19 pandemic began. "I'm just ecstatic that she's here, I'm happy," said Campbell, 63, a retired firefighter from Vermont who greeted her with a heart-shaped balloon. "Our relationship is still thriving even though we've been apart for two years." At John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, a child held a sign reading, "Do I look bigger?" as he waited for the first British Airways flight from London's Heathrow. "730 days missed u! Aunty Jill + Uncle Mark," his sign said.
Fully vaccinated South Africans can travel to the US from today – with a negative test
Travel between South Africa and the United States has been severely disrupted throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. But from Monday, fully vaccinated travellers will be allowed to enter the United States, regardless of where they’re coming from. Travellers will still need to provide a negative Covid-19 test result before departing. Children under 18 can enter even if they’re not fully vaccinated but will be subject to further testing and self-quarantine.
Singapore eases some virus curbs as music returns to restaurants
Singapore is easing some tough Covid restrictions put in place more than a month ago to tackle a surge in infections, with five people from the same residence allowed to dine at restaurants starting from Wednesday. The changes mark some relaxation of restrictive curbs that were reimposed in late September on one of the most vaccinated countries in the world amid a jump in infections that have tested its health-care system. “We are easing off slightly on the bicycle brakes, but we must not let our guard down and lose control as we go down slow,” finance minister Lawrence Wong, who also co-chairs the business hub’s virus task force, said in a briefing on Monday.
Proof of vax required as strict mandate takes effect in LA
Yoga studio owner David Gross felt relieved after Los Angeles passed a vaccine mandate that is among the strictest in the country, a measure taking effect Monday that requires proof of shots for everyone entering a wide variety of businesses from restaurants to shopping malls and theaters to nail and hair salons. For Gross, the relief came from knowing he and his co-owner don’t have to unilaterally decide whether to verify their customers are vaccinated. In another part of town, the manager of a struggling nail salon feels trepidation and expects to lose customers. “This is going to be hard for us,” Lucila Vazquez said.
Schools take lead role in promoting vaccines for youngsters
With the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for younger children, many elementary schools around the U.S. are preparing to offer the shots, which educators see as key to keeping students learning in person and making the classroom experience closer to what it once was. Some district leaders say offering vaccine clinics on campus, with the involvement of trusted school staff, is key to improving access and helping overcome hesitancy — particularly in communities with low overall vaccination rates. Still, many school systems are choosing not to offer elementary schools as hosts for vaccination sites after some middle and high schools that offered shots received pushback.
COVID: Austria restricts unvaccinated people from public spaces
Austria, which has a rising coronavirus caseload and is struggling to convince a significant number of people to get vaccinated, has rolled out new physical distancing measures. From Monday, unvaccinated people are barred from entering restaurants, cafes and hairdressers and will not be able to attend large public events.
Whistleblowers and fears of losing funds key to enforcing U.S. vaccine rules
Workplace whistleblowers and a fear of losing federal funds are expected to play vital roles in ensuring compliance with COVID-19 vaccine mandates ordered by President Joe Biden's administration for U.S. businesses, nursing homes and hospitals, according to experts. Biden announced last Thursday that his administration will enforce the vaccine mandates starting on Jan. 4. The rules apply to employers with at least 100 workers, federal contractors and employees of nursing homes and other healthcare facilities that receive reimbursements under the Medicare and Medicaid government healthcare programs.
Vaccinated patients are dying of Covid due to waning immunity, says Dr Susan Hopkins
Double-jabbed vulnerable and elderly people are dying from Covid-19 due to the efficacy of the vaccine waning, a senior adviser has said. The effects of coronavirus vaccines are known to wane some five or six months after the second dose, as discovered in multiple studies during the pandemic. It comes as the government launches a campaign to encourage take-up of booster jabs this autumn. While most of those dying with Covid-19 are unvaccinated, reports last week said Number 10 was concerned about hospital admissions and deaths among double-vaccinated people rising due to waning immunity.
Exit Strategies
COVID: US reopens to vaccinated travelers — what are the new rules?
The United States is now open for international travel, but getting vaccinated is an important prerequisite for entry. DW has answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the new changes.
Germany’s school mask debate reignites
German children under the age of 12 must wear masks at school. Now some states have lifted mask requirements, despite soaring infection rates.
Husband makes vaccine plea after wife dies of Covid without seeing their newborn daughter
Te husband of a woman who died of Covid-19 after refusing the vaccine has begged people not to wait to get jabbed. Saiqa Parveen, 37, was eight months pregnant when she caught the virus and died without meeting her new born daughter. Doctors at the Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield put her on a ventilator. Her daughter, Dua Maryam, was born healthy but her mother died shortly after. Saiqa’s husband Majid Ghafur, who is now looking after their five daughters, said his wife never even learned if she was having “a baby girl or boy”.
Australia begins vaccine booster rollout as more curbs ease in Sydney
Australia began administering booster shots of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine on Monday as millions of people in its largest city, Sydney, woke up to more freedom amid an accelerating immunisation drive. Australia's vaccination rate has picked up pace since July, after widely missing its initial targets, when its southeast was hit by a third wave of infections triggered by the highly infectious Delta variant forcing months-long lockdowns. Sydney and Melbourne, its largest cities and worst hit by the Delta wave, have been racing through their inoculations before gradually relaxing restrictions. Life returned close to normal on Monday in New South Wales, home to Sydney, as the state nears its 90% dual-dose vaccinations in people above 16.
Indonesia to start COVID-19 boosters after 50% of public vaccinated
Indonesia plans to give booster shots to the general public after 50% of its population has been fully vaccinated, its health minister said on Monday, which he expects to happen at the end of next month. Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country and once Asia's COVID-19 epicenter, has inoculated 29% of its population of 270 million people, using a variety of vaccine brands. Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin told a parliamentary hearing the government decided on boosters at the 50% mark due to vaccine inequity concerns at home or abroad.
Australia pledges three million COVID-19 vaccines to Cambodia
Australia has pledged more than three million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Monday, which would help the Southeast nation give booster shots to its people. The assurance came during a visit by Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne aimed at expanding bilateral ties. Cambodia has vaccinated 87% of its more than 16 million people, one of Asia's highest inoculation rates. "The Australian government has decided to provide Cambodia with 3,250,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, of which 1 million will be delivered to Cambodia before the end of this year," Hun Sen said on his official Facebook page.
NHS chief warns ‘stretched’ staff face most challenging winter ever
The head of the NHS in England has warned NHS staff will be “stretched” during what she predicted would be an “unprecedented” winter. Amanda Pritchard said the next 100 days will be “significantly” challenging for the NHS and said she recognised “how difficult winter is going to be”. Her comments come after The Independent revealed patients are dying while waiting for paramedics, following a collapse in ambulance response times which has seen a spike in serious incidents across all NHS ambulance trusts. Ms Pritchard said: “We are pulling out all the stops to vaccinate as many people as possible, we cannot know the impact that Covid, flu or other respiratory diseases will have on the health and care sector in the coming weeks and months. “We are simply facing an unprecedented situation, but as I said in my first week: I am optimistic, but realistic, about the challenges ahead.”
Japan has zero daily Covid-19 deaths for first time in 15 months: Media
Japan recorded no daily deaths from Covid-19 for the first time in more than a year on Sunday (Nov 7), according to local media. Prior to Sunday, there hadn't been a day without a Covid-19 death since Aug 2, 2020, according to a tally by national broadcaster NHK. The latest figures from the Health Ministry showed three deaths last Saturday. Covid-19 cases and deaths have fallen dramatically throughout Japan as vaccinations have increased to cover more than 70 per cent of the population. New daily infections peaked at more than 25,000 during an August wave driven by the infectious Delta variant.
Feds urge schools to provide COVID-19 shots, info for kids
The Biden administration is encouraging local school districts to host clinics to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to kids — and information to parents on the benefits of the shots — as the White House looks to speedily provide vaccines to those ages 5 to 11. First lady Jill Biden and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy are set to visit the Franklin Sherman Elementary School in McLean, Virginia, on Monday to launch a nationwide campaign to promote child vaccinations. The school was the first to administer the polio vaccine in 1954. The visit comes just days after federal regulators recommended the COVID-19 vaccine for the age group. The White House says Biden will visit pediatric vaccination clinics across the country over the coming weeks to encourage the shots.
China’s Army Furnishes Foreign Militaries With Covid-19 Vaccines
In Zimbabwe, where just 18% of the population are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, the armed forces have a surplus of shots thanks to a gift from a powerful benefactor: China’s People’s Liberation Army. In the Philippines, another PLA donation has helped the majority of service members get vaccinated. In Ethiopia, where the Biden administration is levying fresh sanctions over alleged atrocities committed in an offensive against Tigray rebels, the PLA has delivered 300,000 Covid-19 vaccines to government troops. The People’s Liberation Army has rapidly expanded vaccine donations to military forces this year across four continents. Chinese Defense Ministry figures show that as of September, it had made more than 30 deliveries to about two dozen countries.
Travellers line up for U.S. flights as curbs are lifted for first time
Paul Campbell had waited nearly two years to reunite with his German fiancée at Boston's Logan airport on Monday, the day the United States eased travel restrictions imposed on much of the world since the COVID-19 pandemic began. "I'm just ecstatic that she's here, I'm happy," said Campbell, 63, a retired firefighter from Vermont who greeted her with a heart-shaped balloon. "Our relationship is still thriving even though we've been apart for two years." At John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, a child held a sign reading, "Do I look bigger?" as he waited for the first British Airways flight from London's Heathrow. "730 days missed u! Aunty Jill + Uncle Mark," his sign said.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla urges South Africans to vaccinate before 'imminent' fourth wave
Health Minister Joe Phaahla has urged South Africans to vaccinated against Covid-19 pandemic “ahead of the imminent fourth wave that could hit the country soon.” Speaking at the Gomora Informal Settlement in Pretoria over the weekend, Phaahla described the life-saving vaccines as the only hope of long-term success in eradicating the coronavirus. “We are not oblivious to the fact that we are not yet out of trouble. The virus is still in our midst and every day we record a number of infections,” the minister said. He added: “We have all learned over the last 20 months that it is not over. There is going to be another resurgence of the infection and, therefore, we must be ready and protect all our people.” While South Africa had sufficient stock to inoculate citizens, Phaahla said the government was still struggling to reach people.
Singapore-Malaysia border reopening: vaccinated travel lane for quarantine-free entry agreed
Singapore also announces travel schemes with Finland and Sweden, meaning it now has deals with 16 countries. The city state is also to ease some restrictions, including on dining out for vaccinated people from the same household, with health minister Ong Ye Kung describing the situation in the region as ‘fast stabilising’
Partisan Exits
He nearly died of covid, then apologized to hospital staff for not being vaccinated: ‘It all could’ve been avoided’
Richard Soliz developed multiple blood clots on his lungs after catching the coronavirus this summer, and the staff at the Seattle hospital where he was being treated told him they were concerned one might move to his heart or brain.
N. Ireland official suing Van Morrison over COVID criticism
Northern Ireland’s health minister is suing Van Morrison after the singer called him “very dangerous” for his handling of coronavirus restrictions. The Belfast-born singer opposes restrictions to curb the spread of the virus, and has released several songs criticizing lockdowns. He denounced Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann during a gathering at Belfast’s Europa Hotel in June after a Morrison concert was canceled at the last minute because of virus restrictions. The defamation suit relates to three incidents in which Morrison criticized Swann, calling him “a fraud” and “very dangerous.”
Scientific Viewpoint
'This is far worse than January – the vaccine hasn't saved us this time'
“We should all be rated inadequate.” The call HSJ received on Sunday lunchtime from one of the most respected chief executives in the NHS carried an air of desperation.
PM urges people to take booster vaccine with more than 10 million having extra jab
Boris Johnson has urged people to get their booster vaccine as it emerged more than 10 million people have had the top-up jab. Government figures showed a combined total of 10,062,704 booster and third doses have been delivered with a day-on-day rise of 409,663. The Prime Minister tweeted : “An amazing 10 million people across the UK have already come forward for their booster. “We know vaccine immunity wanes over time, so boosters are vital in keeping you and your loved ones protected through the winter.
Indonesia reviewing Merck COVID-19 pill, up to 1 mln doses targeted
Indonesia is reviewing a COVID-19 experimental antiviral pill produced by Merck & Co Inc for domestic use, its food and drug agency chief said on Monday, ahead of a possible purchase of up to 1 million doses next month. Britain is the first country to have approved the pill, named molnupiravir, which Merck last month said halved the chance of hospitalisation or death in patients at risk for severe illness. The United States, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines are among countries interested in buying molnupiravir.
Pfizer could seek broad clearance for COVID-19 vaccine boosters this week - Washington Post
Pfizer and German partner BioNTech are expected to seek authorization for their COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for people aged 18 and above as soon as this week, Washington Post reported on Monday, citing officials familiar with the situation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September authorized the extra shot for those aged 65 and above, people at high risk of severe disease, and others regularly exposed to the virus.
Covid-19 and pools, lakes, beaches: Is it safe to swim?
Health agencies have stated that the coronavirus cannot be transmitted through water. However, when at the beach and public pools – especially in indoor settings – you still need to exercise Covid protocols. This is because infected people can still pass on the virus through respiratory droplets or aerosols.
What's behind the recent rise in Covid-19 deaths in S'pore? Here are some facts you may not know
Every death means the passing of a loved one - a father, mother, brother or sister - a relative or a friend. Yet, as Singapore transits to treating Covid-19 as an endemic disease, we need to speak frankly about deaths from the disease. The commentary by Professor Teo Yik Ying in The Straits Times on Aug 13 presented the possibility that as Singapore opens up, just like the United States, Israel, Britain and many European countries have done, the number of deaths here will go up, especially among the unvaccinated, as it has done elsewhere. Since then, the overall national vaccination rate has risen to 86 per cent. Vaccination rates among seniors have also increased substantially, making Singapore one of the most highly vaccinated countries in the world. We have also rolled out vaccine boosters, which have strengthened the protection against severe disease by at least 10 times, on top of the protection conferred by two doses.
A win for health security
What is inside a tube can be the matter of life and death. Scientists carefully transfer each patient's sample into a microplate and put it in an automated box-shaped extraction instrument. After processing it for 10 minutes, it isolates ribonucleic acid (RNA) from coronavirus cells for an RT-PCR test. The coronavirus looks like a spiky ball. Many structural proteins surround its RNA, which houses genes. After health workers swab samples, they send them to scientists. RT-PCR testing looks at the genetic code of the virus by extracting and then amplifying it until SARS-CoV-2 is detectable. In the past, RNA extraction kits were imported, but the coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in demand and price surges. But for the first time, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has unveiled homegrown RNA extraction kits for commercial use.
Regeneron says antibody cocktail reduces risk of contracting Covid by 80% for at least 8 MONTHS
Regeneron says its antibody cocktail REGEN-COV reduces the risk of contracting COVID-19 by 81.6% two to eight months after it is administered. During this period, seven people in the treatment group developed Covid compared to 38 in the placebo group. None of the people given the cocktail were hospitalized with the virus compared to five who received a placebo. The drug was authorized last year as a treatment for COVID-19 but has since been expanded so it can be used as a prophylactic
What we know about Pfizer’s ‘first of its kind’ Covid-19 antiviral pill What we know about Pfizer’s ‘first of its kind’ Covid-19 antiviral pill
PFIZER’S experimental Covid-19 pill was found to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalisation or death by 89%, in high-risk adults who have been exposed to the virus. The company announced at the weekend that, based on an interim analysis of Phase two and three clinical trials, the pill could be prescribed as an at-home treatment to help reduce illness severity, hospitalisations, and deaths. The drug, Paxlovid, is taken orally as soon as the first symptoms of Covid-19 appear, to avoid serious forms of the illness or hospitalisation. “If approved or authorised, Paxlovid, which originated in Pfizer’s laboratories, would be the first oral antiviral of its kind, a specifically designed Sars-CoV-2-3CL protease inhibitor,” said the company in a press release.
Regeneron's antibody cocktail can protect against COVID-19 for up to 8 months, giving hope to the immunocompromised
People with compromised immune systems who are unable to develop adequate responses to vaccines may soon have an option to protect against COVID-19. A phase 3 trial of Regeneron’s antibody cocktail showed the treatment reduced the risk of infection by 81.6% over a period of two to eight months. Results previously reported in the New England Journal of Medicine from the same trial showed that REGEN-COV reduced the risk of infection by 81.4% during the first month after administration. “These results demonstrate that REGEN-COV has the potential to provide long-lasting immunity from SARS-CoV-2 infection, a result particularly important to those who do not respond to COVID-19 vaccines, including people who are immunocompromised,” Myron Cohen, M.D., a University of North Carolina professor who leads the monoclonal antibody efforts for the NIH-sponsored COVID prevention network, said in a statement.
Not all Covid waves look the same. Here’s a snapshot of the Delta surge
At first, Joyce Dombrouski thought it might just be some kind of blip. Maybe it was Montana’s summer tourists. But then, at one point this August, St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula had 30-plus Covid inpatients — “and we thought 30, a year ago, was a horrific number,” said Dombrouski, the chief executive of Providence Montana. It just kept growing. Three or four admissions a day, then five or six, then seven. The hospital was nearing capacity. There were more Covid patients in the ICU than the team had seen before, and they tended to be younger now. “Our median age has dropped to the mid-40s, and at the start of the pandemic, it was between 70 to 80,” Dombrouski went on. Then, her team got a call from Oklahoma, three wide western states away, asking if St. Patrick could take a transfer patient.
Antibody levels not the only immunity marker: 5 takeaways from Covid-19 press conference on Nov 8
On Monday (Nov 8), the Singaporean multi-ministry task force tackling Covid-19 here held a press conference to announce further developments in Singapore's fight against the virus. 5 Takeaways from the eveny....
Sajid Javid says 'get Covid booster jabs to prevent restrictions over Christmas'
The Health Secretary has urged people to get booster jabs in order to prevent a return of restrictions over the approaching Christmas period. Sajid Javid thanked those who’ve already had their vaccines and said it is “not too late” for those who’ve yet to have a first and second jab to come forward. Sajid Javid has urged anyone who is eligible to come forward and receive their Covid booster and flu vaccines in the run up to Christmas. The Government is encouraging people to ‘top up’ their protection against Covid with winter approaching, as immunity from the vaccines starts to decrease after six months, especially for the elderly and vulnerable.
Coronavirus Resurgence
Germany: COVID incidence rate jumps to over 200 for first time
Germany logged a record seven-day incidence rate of over 200 on Monday, according to the latest data released by the Robert Koch Institute of infectious diseases (RKI). The rate, which indicates the number of new COVID-19 infections per 100,000 people over the last week, is now the highest it's been since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The previous record rate of 197.6 was set on December 22, 2020 — a time before vaccines were widely available.
UK PM Johnson: too many older people are being hospitalised with COVID
Too many elderly people are being hospitalised with COVID-19, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday, as he encouraged eligible people to book booster shots to counteract waning immunity from initial coronavirus vaccinations. "We're starting to see too many elderly people getting into hospital. Sadly, the (COVID) jabs do wane," Johnson said, encouraging eligible people to book booster shots. "(The booster) is a very effective thing. It's a wonderful thing. People get 95% more protection... if you've gone over five months, you can go online and book your booster."
Japan has zero daily COVID-19 deaths for first time in 15 months - media
Japan recorded no daily deaths from COVID-19 for the first time in more than a year on Sunday, local media said. Prior to Sunday, there had not been a day without a COVID-19 death since Aug. 2, 2020, according to a tally by national broadcaster NHK. COVID-19 cases and deaths have fallen dramatically throughout Japan as vaccinations have increased to cover more than 70% of the population.
German coronavirus infection rate hits highest since pandemic began
Germany's coronavirus infection rate has risen to its highest level since the start of the pandemic, public health figures showed on Monday, and doctors warned they will need to postpone scheduled operations in coming weeks to cope. The seven-day incidence rate - the number of people per 100,000 to be infected over the last week - rose to 201.1, higher than a previous record of 197.6 in December last year, the figures from the Robert Koch Institute showed on Monday.
Global COVID-19 cases hit 250 million, eastern Europe infections at record levels
Global COVID-19 cases surpassed 250 million on Monday as some countries in eastern Europe experience record outbreaks, even as the Delta variant surge eases and many countries resume trade and tourism. The daily average number of cases has fallen by 36% over the past three months, according to a Reuters analysis, but the virus is still infecting 50 million people worldwide every 90 days due to the highly transmissible Delta variant. By contrast, it took nearly a year to record the first 50 million COVID-19 cases.
China records 65 local Covid-19 cases as people flee testing in Chengdu
China reported 65 new local symptomatic Covid-19 cases, up only slightly as some provinces claimed progress in controlling outbreaks – but police were investigating in Chengdu after people fled mandatory testing. According to the National Health Commission, the present wave of cases had reached 44 cities in 20 provinces, with most concentrated in the northern regions of Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia and Gansu. Four of those provinces had not recorded any new local transmissions in a week.
Navajo Nation reports 60 more COVID-19 cases, no deaths
The Navajo Nation has reported 60 more COVID-19 cases but no new deaths. The latest numbers released Sunday pushed the tribe’s totals to 37,411 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death toll remains at 1,498. The tribe reported no COVID-related deaths 23 times in a 35-day span before reporting five deaths on Thursday and one death on Friday along with 88 new cases. Based on cases from Oct. 15-28, the Navajo Department of Health issued an advisory for 58 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19.Tribal officials still are urging people to get vaccinated, wear masks while in public and minimize their travel.
German COVID infection rate at new high as vaccinations slow
Germany’s coronavirus infection rate climbed to its highest recorded level yet on Monday as what officials have called a “pandemic of the unvaccinated” gathers pace. The national disease control center, the Robert Koch Institute, said the country has seen 201.1 new cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days. That was above the previous record of 197.6 from Dec. 22 last year. While it’s still a lower rate than in several other European countries, it has set alarm bells ringing. The seven-day infection rate has long ceased to be the only policy yardstick in Germany, with new hospital admissions now an important factor. Those are currently at just under 4 per 100,000 residents over a week — compared with a peak of about 15.5 last Christmas — but officials say hospitals are filling up in badly affected areas.
China reports 89 COVID cases as outbreaks grow
China reported 89 new COVID-19 cases for November 7 compared with 74 a day earlier, its health authority said on Monday. Of the new infections, 65 were locally transmitted cases, according to a statement by the National Health Commission, compared with 50 a day earlier. More than half of the new local cases were found in the provinces of Liaoning and Henan. China reported 46 new asymptomatic patients, which it classifies separately from confirmed cases, compared with 35 a day earlier. There were no new deaths, leaving the death toll unchanged at 4,636.
Germany's COVID-19 infection rate hits record high
Germany’s coronavirus infection rate has risen to a record days after Health Minister Jens Spahn warned that a massive “pandemic of the unvaccinated” was gathering pace. The seven-day incidence rate – the number of people per 100,000 to be infected over the last week – rose to 201.1 on Monday, higher than a previous record of 197.6 in December last year, figures from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed.